LENNIE Lawrence has issued Cardiff City with a stark warning after the Bluebirds ensured Championship survival on Saturday.

City avoided relegation with a 1-1 draw at Gillingham on Saturday thanks to a late header from substitute Paul Parry.

With their Championship place secure, Lawrence has insisted City have no excuses as they prepare for next season.

"I must do better, the team must do better," said Lawrence.

"There are no excuses.

"We did not do well this season and we have to improve next time.

"It would be easy to put up behind the scene problems as a reason for our struggle in the Championship, but that won't wash.

"We have stayed up and now we must push on.

"We have to be better next season than we are this season. If we don't achieve that there will be no excuses.

"We found ourselves struggling because of two poor spells of results plus our inability to score enough goals.

"That is a problem we have to put right."

The Bluebirds boss has outlined how he intends to transform City's fortunes next season.

Lawrence will be restricted to loan signings, Bosman frees or bargain buys, while the introduction of a transfer window at Championship level causes further complications with sides not being able to buy or sign a player between the end of August and January 2006.

"We may be able to sign a player or two for around £200,000, but that will be it," warned Lawrence.

"But there are decent players who can be signed on loans or Bosmans and we can build a highly competitive squad.

But Lawrence also needing to cut the wage bill, he admits it is likely players will have to go, although he hopes there won't be wholesale departures.